Find what you love…

“Find what you love, and let it kill you.”
- Kinky Friedman

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Goodreads

Since I started taking the Commuter Rail into work everyday, I’ve read a lot more books than I ever planned on. I also listen to a lot more music (recommendations are welcome for both). I can’t read novels or anything, I can’t seem to find that sort of stuff interesting, prove me wrong if you can. I end up reading reference books, auto-biographical, or documentary books. Since I’ve got hired in September 2008, I’ve read 3 books, onto my 4th one now. I wanted a way to keep track of all the books I’ve read, what I thought of them, and when I read them. I thought, why not make a website that does all this? Too late.

Enter Goodreads.com. I came across this site while doing a Google search for “books i’ve read”. I setup an account after browsing around and I love it so far. I can search for my already read books and add them to “my books”, rate them on a star-rating system, put a summary of what I thought/learned from the book, and add my review to the rest of the reviews on the site. The site also has a “currently reading” and “to read” section to classify books into. The best part about the site, besides the tracking part, is I can explore books and get recommendations from other Goodreads users. Check out the widget below and try it out for yourself, I can’t be any happier with finding this site. Just another wonder from Google. Last week from Google, I found out how to retrieve deleted photos from my mom’s digital camera, sweet!

Currently Listening To: Pop music from the salon below our office
How I Feel: Tired

Burger King is in the clothing industry now?

Came across this link today at Hide Your Arms, Burger King, the king of Whoppers, is now selling customized t-shirts. Apparently, they’ve teamed up with some artists to create limited edition designs just for BK.

I don’t think they are trying to out do Spreadshirt or any other t-shirt customizer but it’s still a cool project. Their customizer is actually pretty cool and user-friendly.

Future of Web Design 2008 - NYC

Monday - Wednesday this past week I ventured down to NYC to check out the Future of Web Design. This year it was held right in Times Square at the Roseland Ballroom. Even though I think last year was much better, I enjoyed every second of it. Ryan Singer of 37Signals always impresses me, Mike Kus of Carsonified did a great job on explaining artwork involved in website design, Dan Mall of Happy Cog explained how to get a great user experience, Paul Boag had a great take on getting client to say yes and solving problems with them, Nicholas Felton’s quick showcasing intrigued me abut displaying his life in data form.

What would a conference be without a killer after-party right? Open bar all night, free dinner at the Edison Ballroom with Dan.

Total expense for the whole 3 days in NY: $125 (includes transportation and price of ticket for conference)

Currently Listening to: The Dear Hunter
How I feel: Accomplished, got a great compliment at work today

Miars Write up in Worc Mag and first show summary

Within the past week, a lot has happened in the Miars camp. On Thursday, Oct 23rd, Worcester Magazine came out with our 1st piece of press promoting our first show. Read about it here.

Saturday came around and we practiced our set a few times in the afternoon. Had some delicious pizza at Corner Grille. We arrived at Tammany Hall, did the usual load-in/check-in situation. 9:45pm approached with a packed house and we went right into our first song with a small introduction. The feeling that took place in my body at the present moment is indescribable in a blog post or even words. That feeling is what I live for. Overall, it was a great turnout with some really awesome sounding bands who also happen to be some of my best friends. The feedback and crowd response was crazy, I think I had chills go up and down my back at one point during our set when I heard the cheering after our first few songs, it was nuts. Below are a few pictures from the show. There is also a video on Facebook of SOME of our set.

If you attended, leave a comment and let me know what 3 good things about the show and 3 bad things about the show. If you were unfortunate enough to not make it out to the show, we are playing at Ralph’s Diner on Nov 14th in Worcester. You should definitely make it out to this one.

Update

I guess I’ve kind of neglected writing in this blog since I started working full-time. So here’s an update..

I just got back from Greensburg, PA to check out the production facilities for my work. It went well, I learned a ton, met some great people, and got a free trip to PA.

Miars‘ first show is this Saturday (Oct 25th) at Tammany Hall in Worcester. I can’t be more excited and anxious to show everyone what tunes we’ve been working on for the past 2 years. This will be first time on stage since about April of 2007. I’m getting my fix again…

Apartment search has begun! Syd and I have been looking at some places in Worcester but my ideal situation is Ashland/Framingham area so I can sleep later to go into work in Boston.

My freelance work has slowed down, which is a good thing because I barely have time to sleep. Does anyone even read this? I don’t have any initiative to write in here other than to document my life, which is boring sometimes.

Alarm Clocks

I wish my brain had an Auto-Save feature for my dreams. I’ve had so many great dreams and then suddenly woke up to the blaring sound of my alarm clock. My friend had this button that said “Alarm clocks kill dreams”,  it’s so true.

Old Tom Foolery Cards

While reading Josh Spear, I came across Old Tom Foolery Cards. I think I may buy a pack for this holiday season, they’re pretty funny.

Also, She’s SO Creative had some really clever ones too. I may have to go to Porter Square books to check them out.

I’m a sucker for simple and clean letterpress cards.

New Lifestyle

Waking up at 5:45am Monday-Friday to go to work for 8:45am sucks but once I get there it’s not bad at all. I get to work at my own pace (most of the time), take breaks when I need to and get lots of work done. The benefits and paycheck are always a good thing too.

In other news, Miars’ first few shows have been announced, Oct 25th at Tammany Hall and Nov 14th at Ralph’s Diner both in Worcester. Please, please, please come to either show, especially the Tammany Hall show because you won’t be dissapointed in the lineup. All my friends’ band for our first show, can’t ask for anything better.

My love for Typography

Lately, I’ve been really attracted to typography (or fonts to most people even though its not right). College is when it first started in my Type classes. I’ve been working on some personal exploration in the typography field for some custom posters, books, and other merchandise. I hope to post it here soon.

Some designers that have really inspired me typography wise are Joshua Blankenship, Ryan Sims, Josh Smith (Hydro 74), Emil Kozak, Danny Jones (YASLY), Scott Hansen (ISO50), and Aaron Martin

Does anyone read this blog? Leave some comment love and say hi!